Flame arrester



April 26, 1966 c uT 3,248,188

FLAME ARRESTER Filed July 22, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Richard C/wfe ATrORMEXs April 26, 1966 R. CHUTE FLAME ARRESTER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 22, 1965 INVENTOR H/bhard Ch u/e nr-ronuifr:

R. CHUTE FLAME ARRESTER April 26, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 22, 1963 INVENTOR. RICHARD CHUTE ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,248,188 FLAME ARRESTER Richard Chute, Huntington Woods, Mich, assignor to Continental Motors Corporation, Muskegon, Mich., a corporation of Virginia Filed July 22, 1963, Ser. No. 296,702 I 12 Claims. (Cl. 48-192) The present invention relates to internal combustion engines and more particularly to a combination mufllerflame arrester for such engines.

Although it has been known that certain new ceramic materials have excellent flame arresting properties, attempts to utilize these materials as flame arresters in the exhaust systems of internal combustion engines have heretofore been generally unsuccessful. Such materials are quite brittle and will break easily. In addition, these ceramic materials have relatively low coeflicients of expansion. For these reasons providing support for matri ces constructed of such materials presents a difficult problem. Because the supporting members have been heretofore positioned within the high heat zoneproduced by exhaust gases of the engine the members eventually become annealed and thus lose the necessary resiliency. Further, such positioning of the support members emphasizes the differences in the coefiicients of expansion of the matrix materials and the support members and necessitates complex and expensive expansion compensating means.

It is an object then of the present invention to improve internal combustion engines by providing a flame arrester for such engines having a matrix constructed of ceramic material.

It is another object of the present invention to increase the life of ceramic matrices for flame arresters and the like my providing a resilient clamping means for supporting such matrices.

It is still another object of the present invention to reduce the costs of manufacturing flame arresters having a ceramic matrix by providing supporting means for the matrix which is positioned to be substantially unaffected by the heated gases passing through the matrix.

Still further objects and advantages of the present invention will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which thejnvention pertains upon reference to the following drawings in which like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a preferred mufiler-flame arrester device of the present invention with portions shown in elevation for purposes of clarity.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a preferred mufller-flame arrester device as seen substantially from line 22 of FIG; 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of another preferred mufilerflamearrester of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of still another preferred flame arrester of the present invention, and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 66 of FIG. 5.

Description -Now referring to the drawings for a more detailed description of the present invention, one preferred mufllerflame arrester is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as comprising a substantially cylindrical closed bottom lower housing 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a conduit 12 provides communication between an exhaust gas inlet 13 provided in the housing and the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine (not shown).

An annular member 14 is provided with an axially 3,248,188 Patented Apr. 26, 1966 extending flange portion 16 which extends into the housing 10 and an annular shoulder 18 which engages with the upper edge of the housing 10. The member 14 and the housing are preferably joined by any means such as welding as indicated at 20. The annular member 14 is preferably provided with an annular recess 22 which carries an annular, resilient gasket 24.

An annular member 26 is provided with an annular recess 28; A resilient annular gasket 30 is carried in the recess 28.

The annular member 26 is provided with a plurality of annularly spaced radially extending projections 32-33 and the annular member 14 is' provided with similar projections 34. The projections 33 provide the means by which the mufller-flame arrester is secured to an internal combustion engine (not shown). As can best be seen in FIG. 2, a support member 36 is provided with diverging arms 38 which are secured to a pair of the projections 33 by bolt and nut members 40 and 32 respectively. As shown'in FIG. 1, spacers 44 are preferably provided between the arms 38 and the projections 33.'

Each of the projections 32 is aligned with a corresponding projection 34 and is provided with an opening 46 aligned with an opening 48 in the corresponding projection 34. A bolt 50 passes through the aligned openings 46 and 48 as shown and the bolt 5t) receives a nut 52.

A substantially cylindrical matrix member 54 is sandwiched between the gaskets 24 and 30 by the bolts 50 and nuts 52. The matrix member 54 preferably comprises -an outer annular shell 56 preferably constructed of solid ceramic material and an inner cylindrical core member 58 constructed of ceramic material to provide a plurality of axially extending passages preferably triangular in shape in lateral cross section as can best be seen in FIG. 2. The shell 56 and the core member 58 are preferably joined by a layer of resilient adhesive 60.

A cylindrical cover member 62 is preferably welded as at 64 to the annular member 14 and extends upwardly to engage the outer surface of the annular member 26. The cover member is not secured to the member 26 so that it is free to move axially with respect thereto.

A weather cap 66 preferably comprises a pair of conical members 68 and 70, secured together in an opposed position as shown in FIG. 1 and is secured in a position axially spaced from the annular member 26 by a plurality of arms 72 to form an exhaust outlet 73. The arms 72 are preferably Welded as at 74 to the annular member 26.

A pair of opposed Belleville washers 76 are positioned between the head of the bolts 50 and the projections 32 and also between the nuts 52 and the projections 34 as can be seen in' FIG. 1. Belleville washers are substantially conical resilient washers in which residual stresses are introduced during manufacturing.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 as comprising a substantially cylindrical close bottom lower housing 110. A conduit 112 provides communication between the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine (not shown) and an exhaust gas inlet 113 provided in the housing 110. The upper portion of the housing is bent as can best be seen in FIG. 4 to provide a radially extending flange portion 114 and a flange portion 116 extending axially upwardly therefrom. A resilient annular gasket 118 is carried by the flange portions 114 and 116.

An upper housing 120 preferably comprises an axially extending flange portion 122 and a radially extending flange portion 124 integral therewith. A resilient, annular gasket 126 is carried by the flange portions 122 and 124 and a substantially cylindrical matrix member 128 is carried intermediate the gaskets 11S and 126.

The matrix member 128 is constructed substantially similar to the matrix member 54 described above and preferably comprises an outer annular shell 130 constructed of solid ceramic material, an inner core member 132 constructed of ceramic material to provide a plurality of longitudinally extending tortuous passages and a layer of resilient adhesive material 134 joining the shell 130 and the core member 132.

The means for clamping the matrix member 128 between the gaskets 118 and 120 preferably comprises a plurality of substantially U-shaped brackets 136 secured to the outer periphery of the upper housing 120. Similar brackets 138 are secured to the outer periphery of the lower housing 110 so that each bracket 138 is aligned with a corresponding bracket 136 provided on the upper housing 120.

The brackets 136 are preferably provided with perforations 140 and the brackets 138 are preferably provided with slots 142. Bolts 144 extending though the perforations 140 and the slots 142 of corresponding brackets 136 and 138 and receive nuts 146. A pair of oppositely positioned Belleville washers 148 are preferably provided be-.

tween the nuts 146 and the brackets 138.

A weather cap 150 is positioned above the upper housing 120 by a'plurality of spaced upwardly extending arms 152 to form an exhaust gas outlet 153.

Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 as comprising a substantially cylindrical housing 210 having one end 211 closed as shown. A perforated bafde tube 212 extends axially inwardly into an inlet chamber 213 defined by the housing 210. An exhaust gas inlet 214 is provided in the housing 210 to provide communication between the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine (not shown) and the inlet chamber 213. The open end of the housing 210 is bent as can best be seen in FIG. 6 to provide a radially extending flange portion 215 and an axially'extending flange portion 216 extending axially outwardly therefrom. A resilient annular gasket 218 is carried by the flange portions 215216.

A substantially cylindrical housing member 220 preferably defines an exhaust chamber 222 and is open at one end to provide an outlet 224. 'The opposite end of the housing member 220 is bent as can best be seen in FIG. 6' to provide a radially extending flange portion 226 and an axially extending flange portion 228. A resilient, annular gasket 236 is carried by the flange portions 226 and 228 and a substantially cylindrical matrix member 232 is carried intermediate the gaskets 218 and 230.

The matrix member 23. is constructed substantially similar to the matrix members 54 and 128 described above and preferably comprises an outer shell 234 constructed of ceramic material, an inner core member 236 constructed of ceramic material to provide a plurality of longitudinally extending tortuous passages and a layer of resilient adhesive material 238 joining the shell 234 and the core member 236. a

The means for clamping the matrix member 232 between the resilient gaskets 218 and 230 preferably comprises a substantially C-shaped resilient clamping member 24% having arms 242 diverging from opposite ends of a medial portion 244. The end 211 of the housing 210 is provided with an axially extending recessed portion 246 as can best be seen in FIG. 6. The medial portion 244 of the clamping member 240 is preferably inwardly bent as at 248 and is seated in the recessed portion 245. The free ends of the arms 242 are each bent inwardly as at 250 and return bent as at 252 to provide gripping end portions 254. A pair of slots 256 are provided in the lateral surface of the housing member 220 to receive the gripping end portions 254 of the arms 242 so that the matrix member-232 is resiliently clamped between the housing 216 and the housing member 220.

The mufiler-flame arresters of the present invention are adapted for connection with the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. Exhaust gases are directed through the passages of the matrix member 54, 128 or 232 and escape through the outlet 73 provided between the weather cap 66 and the member 26 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, through the outlet 153 provided be tween the weather cap 150 and the upper housing in the embodiment shown in FIGS. '3 and 4 and through the outlet 224 in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,.

It is apparent that in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12, the matrix member 54 is retained in position between the resilient gasket members 24 and 30. matrix member 54 is spaced from the other members of the device so that expansion of these members produced by the heat of the exhaust gases will not break the brittle ceramic members of the matrix member 54. Further, the

Belleville washers 76 provide a resilient clamping of the matrix member 54 between the annular members 26 and 14 to further reduce the effects of the differences in the coefficients of expansion between the supporting means and the matrix member.

As the bolts 50, nuts 52 and washers 76 are located outside of the high heat zone produced by the exhaust gases the resiliency of the clamping members will not be lost through the members being annealed.

Similarly in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the matrix member 128 is cushioned between the gaskets 118 and 126. The clamping means includes resilient Belleville washers 148 and is positioned outside the high heat zone so that the necessary resiliency will not be lost.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 the resilient clamping member 240 is positioned exteriorly of the flame arrester.

Although it has been preferred to illustrate the use of Belleville washers to produce the necessary resiliency in the clamping means in several of the embodiments described, it is apparent that other resilient means could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The particular ceramic material which has been used for the matrix members 54, 128 and 232 is sold under the i the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, said device comprising (a) a first supporting member having an inlet adapted for connection with the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine,

(b) a second supporting member spaced from said first supporting member and having an outlet,

(c) a ceramic matrix member carried intermediate said supporting members and having a plurality of passages therethrough providing communication between said inlet and said outlet, and

(d) clamping means carried exteriorly of the flow path of the exhaust gases passing through said inlet, matrix member and outlet, and exteriorly of said supporting members resiliently clamping said supporting members together and said matrix member therebetween.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 and including (a) a first resilient gasket member intermediate said matrix member and said first supporting member, and

(b) a second resilient gasket member intermediate said matrix member and said second supporting member. 3. The device as defined in claim 1 and in which said matrix member comprises,

(a) an inner ceramic core member having a plurality of longitudinal passages,

(b) an outer shell member substantially encompassing said core member, and (c) means resiliently securing said shell member to said core member.

The'

It is apparent however that other similar ma- 1 4. The device as defined in claim 1 and in which said clamping means comprises (a) a plurality of spaced projecting members extending outwardly from said first supporting member,

(b) a plurality of spaced projecting members extending outwardly from said second supporting member,

(c) each of said first mentioned projecting members being respectively aligned with one of said second mentioned projecting members, and

(d) clamping means resiliently securing said first mentioned projecting members to said second mentioned projecting members.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 and in which said clamping means comprises (a) a substantially C-shaped resilient clamping member having inwardly bent end portions,

(b) one of said supporting members having a recess and said clamping member having an inwardly bent medial portion seated in said recess,

(c) the other of said supporting members having a pair of spaced slots and said inwardly bent end portions being carried in said slots whereby said supporting members are resiliently clamped one to the other.

6. A mufiier-fiame arrester device adapted for use in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, said device comprising,

(a) a first supporting member having an inlet adapted for connection with the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine,

(b) a second supporting member spaced from said first supporting member and having an outlet,

(c) a first resilient member being carried by said first supporting member,

(d) a second resilient member being carried by said second supporting member,

(e) a matrix member carried intermediate said resilient members and comprising a ceramic core member having a plurality of longitudinal passages therethrough providing communication between said inlet and said outlet, and

(f) clamping means carried exteriorly of the flow path of the exhaust gases passing through said inlet, matrix member and outlet, and exteriorly of said supporting member resiliently clamping said supporting members together and said matrix member therebetween.

7. The device as defined in claim 6 and in which said clamping means comprises (a) a plurality of spaced projections extending outwardly from said first supporting member,

(b) a plurality of spaced projecting portions extending outwardly from said second supporting member,

(c) means securing each of said projections respectively to one of said projecting portions, and

(d) means resiliently urging said supporting members one toward the other.

8. The device as defined in claim 6 and in which said clamping means comprises i (a) a resilient clamping member having a pair of arms diverging from a medial portion,

(b) each of said arms being provided with a return bent end portion,

(0) said medial portion being provided with an inwardly bent portion,

(d) one of said supporting members being provided with a recess receiving said inwardly bent portion of said clamping member,

(e) the other of said supporting members being provided with a pair of slots spaced to respectively receive the return bent end portions of said arms.

9. A muffler-flame arrester device adapted for use in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, said 6 device comprising (a) a substantially cylindrical housing member having an inlet adapted for connection with the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine,

(b) a substantially annular resilient gasket carried by said housing member,

(0) a substantially annular support member carried in a position spaced from and substantially axially aligned with said housing member,

(d) a substantially annular, resilient gasket carried by said support member in a position substantially axially aligned with said first mentioned gasket,

(e) a substantially cylindrical ceramic matrix member carried intermediate said gaskets and comprising a cylindrical core member having a plurality of passages therethrough providing communication between said inlet and said outlet, and

(f) clamping means disposed exteriorly of said support member and said housing and displaced from the flow path of the exhaust gases passing through said inlet, matrix member and outlet, and resiliently securing said supporting member to said housing and said matrix member therebetween.

It The device as defined in claim 9 and in which said matrix member further comprises a cylindrical shell member encompassing said core member and means resiliently securing said shell member to said core member.

11. The device as defined in claim 9 and in which said clamping means comprises (a) a plurality of spaced brackets carried on the outer periphery of said support member,

(b) a plurality of spaced brackets being carried on the outer periphery of said housing,

(c) each of said first mentioned brackets being respectively aligned with one of said second mentioned brackets,

(d) means securing said aligned brackets one to the other, and

(e) means carried by said securing means resiliently urging said secured brackets one toward the other.

12. The device as defined in claim 9 and in which said clamping means comprises,

(a) a resilient clamping member having a pair of arms diverging from a medial portion,

(b) each of said arms being provided with an inwardly bent end portion,

(0) said medial portion being provided with an inwardly bent portion,

(d) said housing being provided with a substantially axially positioned recess receiving said inwardly bent portion of said medial portion, and

(e) said support member being provided with a pair of spaced slots on the lateral surface thereof respectively receiving the inwardly bent end portions of said arms.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,618,540 11/ 1952 Teti 48-192 XR 2,651,322,- 9/ 1953 Hendry 48--192 XR 2,772,537 =l2/ 1956 L-iscianai 48l92 XR 3,031,235 4/1962 Hedberg 4s 192 3,148,962 9/ 1964 Dellinger et a1 48-192 FOREIGN PATENTS 517,249 2/ 1953 Belgium.

604,164 8/1960 Canada. 1,248,627 11/ 1960 France.

908,175 10/ 1962 Great Britain.

MORRIS O. WOLK, Primary Examiner. 

1. A MUFFLER-FLAME ARRESTER DEVICE ADAPTED FOR USE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING (A) A FIRST SUPPORTING MEMBER HAVING AN INLET ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, (B) A SECOND SUPPORTING MEMBER SPACED FROM SAID FIRST SUPPORTING MEMBER AND HAVING AN OUTLET, (C) A CERAMIC MATRIX MEMBER CARRIED INTERMEDIATE SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF PASSAGES THERETHROUGH PROVIDING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SAID INLET AND SAID OUTLET, AND (D) CLAMPING MEANS CARRIED EXTERIORLY OF THE FLOW PATH OF THE EXHAUST GASES PASSING THROUGH SAID INLET, MATRIX MEMBER AND OUTLET, AND EXTERIORLY OF SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS RESILIENTLY CLAMPING SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS TOGETHER AND SAID MATRIX MEMBERS THEREBETWEEN. 